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Will Jordan Pickford step up to take a penalty for England? Former national goalkeeper David James has shared his thoughts on how Thomas Tuchel might handle such a scenario when the Three Lions head into 2026 World Cup action.

Pickford has openly expressed his desire to take a penalty for his country. However, whether the Everton shot-stopper would actually be chosen to do so in a high-stakes World Cup shootout remains uncertain. Speaking to GOAL, James reflected on how Tuchel could manage England’s penalty strategy, noting that past experiences suggest having a clear plan is essential.

Pickford has built a reputation for his skill in saving penalties and has been England’s first-choice goalkeeper since making his senior debut in 2017. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in major tournaments, guiding England to a World Cup semi-final and back-to-back European Championship finals.

The 32-year-old has consistently delivered for his national side and is widely regarded for his composure and ability to stop spot-kicks. As England prepare for another global campaign, those qualities may once again be put under the spotlight.

England have a history of taking knockout matches into extra time and beyond, often finding themselves in nerve-wracking penalty shootouts. Should that pattern repeat on North American soil, would Pickford be allowed to both take and defend penalties from 12 yards?

Addressing that possibility, James, speaking on behalf of Grosvenor Sport — providers of the latest World Cup odds — told GOAL when asked if Pickford could be among the first five takers: “I could see it, yeah.

“Do I think he's got the confidence to do it? Yes. Do I think he's got the capability to do it? Yes. Do I think Thomas Tuchel will put him in there? You know what, I wouldn’t put it past Thomas Tuchel saying, ‘yeah fine, if you’re one of our best five then do it’.”

Goalkeepers often pride themselves on their striking ability, which forms a key part of their overall skill set. So, should it really come as a surprise when some take on extra responsibility during shootouts?

Responding to that, James — who earned 53 caps for England — said: “Jordan Pickford is one of the most accurate and technically sound strikers of the ball in the game, definitely among goalkeepers, but even when compared to many outfield players. As for other goalkeepers, I wouldn’t say they’re as good or anywhere near his level, so it doesn’t surprise me that most goalkeepers don’t take penalties.”

He added: “At the end of the day, it’s only 12 yards, and all you need to do is put it in the top corner. I don’t see what the big fuss is about. But ideally, at international level — just to maintain the goalkeepers’ reputation — you’d expect to have five outfield players more suited to take those first penalties.”

When asked whether goalkeepers should avoid the distraction of taking penalties, James acknowledged that keepers already face significant mental and tactical pressures during shootouts — particularly in an era when strategies are even printed on water bottles.

He explained: “When you think about everything involved — walking from the halfway line, handling the pressure — I think it’s possible to replicate the act of taking a penalty. But for a goalkeeper who’s already in goal, walking 20 yards to take a shot would actually be easier for everyone involved.”

James continued: “I don’t have a problem with Pickford taking one. I remember speaking to Ederson at Manchester City a few years ago, and he said he was the best penalty taker in the team. I was surprised Pep [Guardiola] didn’t let him, but that’s ultimately a managerial decision. I think Thomas Tuchel might have a similar attitude — he could easily say, ‘yeah fine, Jordan, you’re up there, you can do it’. It would make for a great story.”

As England prepare for the 2026 World Cup, their record in penalty shootouts remains mixed. Their group stage campaign will begin against Croatia on Wednesday, followed by fixtures with Ghana and Panama.

Should they progress to the last-32, the potential for shootouts will again loom large. With Pickford in goal, England’s record in spot-kick contests has been respectable — having beaten Colombia in 2018 and Switzerland twice since then. However, their defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final still lingers, and the search to end six decades of heartbreak continues.

The big question remains: how far can England go at the 2026 World Cup?